@article{Lewis2012,
title = {Forward steps and missteps: What we’ve learned through the process of conducting CBPR research in rural Alaska},
author = {Lewis, J. and Boyd, K.},
url = {http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol2/iss1/3},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-08-16},
journal = {Journal of Indigenous Research},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
abstract = {Historically, research in Alaska has disregarded community input, creating mistrust among tribal communities toward researchers, and resulting in communities limiting their involvement in research projects. Over the past few years, tribal communities are becoming more involved in the research process; including developing their own tribal review boards and approval processes. This has resulted in the development of rigorous tribal approval processes that protect both the tribal communities and the researchers and can be time consuming. The communities are also taking a more active role in the research projects. This paper highlights some of the challenges we have faced while conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR) with tribal communities in Alaska and share lessons learned, including challenges with academic versus tribal community expectations, language translations and bilingual elders, and disagreement between researchers and communities. We conclude the paper with recommendations that can prepare other researchers interested in conducting research with Alaska Native communities or other tribal communities across the United States that will help establish rapport and strengthen the relationships between researchers and tribal communities.},
keywords = {Lewis J},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

Historically, research in Alaska has disregarded community input, creating mistrust among tribal communities toward researchers, and resulting in communities limiting their involvement in research projects. Over the past few years, tribal communities are becoming more involved in the research process; including developing their own tribal review boards and approval processes. This has resulted in the development of rigorous tribal approval processes that protect both the tribal communities and the researchers and can be time consuming. The communities are also taking a more active role in the research projects. This paper highlights some of the challenges we have faced while conducting community-based participatory research (CBPR) with tribal communities in Alaska and share lessons learned, including challenges with academic versus tribal community expectations, language translations and bilingual elders, and disagreement between researchers and communities. We conclude the paper with recommendations that can prepare other researchers interested in conducting research with Alaska Native communities or other tribal communities across the United States that will help establish rapport and strengthen the relationships between researchers and tribal communities.

@article{Lewis2012b,
title = {Determined by the Community: CBPR in Alaska Native Communities Building Local Control and Self-Determination},
author = {Lewis, J. P. and Boyd, K},
url = {http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol1/iss2/6},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Indigenous Research},
volume = {1},
number = {2},
pages = {Article 6},
abstract = {Objectives: Past research conducted with Alaska Native communities involved researchers entering the community to gather data then leaving with that data never being returned or presented or the researchers to be heard from again. The communities were not made aware of the findings, how the data was used, or where the information was published. This method of research resulted in significant mistrust of researchers by tribal communities. This article will briefly describe the context and history of research with Alaska Native people; provide an overview of the complex approval process for research through two case studies; highlight the relevant principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) when working with tribal communities; and our own experiences with the tribal approval process.
Methods: Using a case study format, the authors provide a guide to the complex approval process in working with tribal communities and the relevance of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). This is based on their experiences with the approval processes in a dissertation study and a community-based Elder Needs Assessment project.
Results and Conclusions: Drawing from their personal experiences and understanding of the tribal approval process, the authors discuss the benefits and challenges associated with conducting research with tribal communities in rural Alaska. They also provide recommendations for future researchers on how to work effectively with tribal communities, from entry into the community through dissemination and publication of information.},
keywords = {Lewis J},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}

Objectives: Past research conducted with Alaska Native communities involved researchers entering the community to gather data then leaving with that data never being returned or presented or the researchers to be heard from again. The communities were not made aware of the findings, how the data was used, or where the information was published. This method of research resulted in significant mistrust of researchers by tribal communities. This article will briefly describe the context and history of research with Alaska Native people; provide an overview of the complex approval process for research through two case studies; highlight the relevant principles of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) when working with tribal communities; and our own experiences with the tribal approval process.
Methods: Using a case study format, the authors provide a guide to the complex approval process in working with tribal communities and the relevance of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR). This is based on their experiences with the approval processes in a dissertation study and a community-based Elder Needs Assessment project.
Results and Conclusions: Drawing from their personal experiences and understanding of the tribal approval process, the authors discuss the benefits and challenges associated with conducting research with tribal communities in rural Alaska. They also provide recommendations for future researchers on how to work effectively with tribal communities, from entry into the community through dissemination and publication of information.